Biofilm-associated Infections and Their Management

Abstract

A biofilm is an architectural arrangement of microorganisms inside a network of extracellular polymeric substances produced by them. This arrangement safeguards the bacterial cells and renders them less susceptible to antimicrobials, and inhibits host immune effector mechanisms. Furthermore, a biofilm empowers microbes to scatter and colonize in new areas and persist in a hostile environment. Bacterial biofilms are typically pathogenic in nature and can cause nosocomial infections including device-associated infections. A variety of biofilm-related infections have been expanding over the long term, and this particular form of development endows high tolerance to associated bacteria against conventional antimicrobial agents. Persister cells emerging within the biofilm are known to be highly tolerant towards antibiotics and engage in instigating relapse of infections. This chapter highlights biofilm development, its pathogenesis, biofilm recalcitrance, treatment challenges, and various treatment strategies to manage biofilm infections.